Should Farms Be Allowed Larger Septic Systems for Worker Housing?

Official title: Policy proposal to regulate additional sewage systems under the Building Code to support construction of on-farm worker housing(source: Environmental Registry)

Closed Regulations & Permits Agriculture & Food Environment & Climate Housing & Communities
Ontario wants to let farms install bigger septic systems so they can house more seasonal workers on-site. Right now, farms are limited to systems that serve about 40 workers. The proposal would raise that limit to serve up to 200 workers per farm, with extra rules to protect wells and waterways.

Why This Matters

Ontario farms rely on 30,000 seasonal workers each year to grow and harvest fruits and vegetables. Many of these workers need housing on the farm itself. If you live near a farm, this could mean more septic systems in your area. If you get water from a private well, the new setback rules are designed to protect your drinking water.

What Could Change

Farms could install multiple septic systems up to 50,000 litres per day total, instead of the current 10,000 litre limit. Each additional system would need to be at the centre of a 10-acre buffer zone, away from wells, property lines, and waterways. Up to 300 Ontario farms could use this new option to house more workers without needing a provincial environmental approval.

Key Issues

  • Is a 10-acre buffer zone around each septic system enough to protect wells, neighbours, and the environment?
  • Should larger buffer zones or smaller system sizes be required for extra protection?
  • What maintenance requirements should apply to these expanded septic systems?
  • What guidance do farmers, municipalities, and technical professionals need to implement this?

How to Participate

  1. Read the proposal on the Ontario Regulatory Registry to understand the proposed changes to septic system rules for farm worker housing.